Everyone has at one point experienced the concept of the “small world” phenomenon. Whether it is discovering a similar link, or tie, with someone you never would have expected, or finding out that you can send a chain email and have it reach almost anyone in the world. One must take a step back and examine, the effect this has on society. Is this phenomenon an advantage, or is it a disadvantage?
The advantages this has on social networks, and society as a whole are obvious. The fewer degrees you are separated from someone, the greater the chance that you will create a connection with them, increasing and diversifying your social network. The small world effect will also create many weak ties, or bridges. As we discussed previously, these bridges are often vital in a network because they can connect one component to another. This can help information spread like wildfire across the globe, however, with technology these days do we really need this effect to have that happen?
One must also think of the implications of having a small world. This means that disease has no barriers. There is no one in society that it can’t reach, and no area in the globe it can be contained to. One must also ask if this helps to spread war as well? Since war is no longer a merely territorial issue. Also, while this may diversify a single component of a social network by creating bridges, it will eliminate diversity as a whole. This is because if everyone is connected closely to one another, than everyone is, or can be, exposed to the same information. However, I still think that this does more good than harm, because it increases awareness of worldwide issues. It also allows for faster and more efficient response in the spread of things such as cures for disease, or vital information. And sometimes, finding yourself in a small world situation is simply just fascinating.
Party on!
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